When to use Balsamiq, when Visual Builder?

[Blama]

Hi Isomorphic,

I have a question regarding Balsamiq and Visual Builder. I'm looking to switch to a start-up with a specific program idea. In order to discuss possible functions and design and advertise it even before the development starts, I'd like to know if you would suggest Balsamiq or Visual Builder for this task.
From what I get (just from reading) it seems that they do pretty much the same when it comes to mockups-only. If you want to do a edit-visual-only-code-free program, you have to stick to Visual Builder. (I'm pretty sure I not looking for Visual Builder OEM / Visual Builder Team features and will not do so in the future)

As Visual Builder also has the ability to do mock-ups I'm asking myself why you created Reify. Is Balsamiq better suited for mock-ups? When do you suggest using which tool?


I read the following links so far:

http://forums.smartclient.com/showthread.php?t=8159&highlight=balsamiq#aGWTDesigner

http://forums.smartclient.com/showthread.php?t=4037&highlight=balsamiq

http://blog.isomorphic.com/why-upgrade-from-lgpl/

http://forums.smartclient.com/showthread.php?t=8159&highlight=balsamiq#loadVBScreen

Thanks,
Blama

[Isomorphic]

Use Balsamiq at this either phase.

Unlike tools like Visual Builder or GWT Designer, pure mockup tools like Balsamiq do not require you to figure out that combination of layout managers and size settings would get the controls to be arranged as you want. You just place them directly.

The value of Reify is then that you never have to figure out the appropriate layout settings at all, for many if not most cases.

There are several other reasons too, ultimately they boil down to the fact that a dedicated mockup tool can have a much more focused & productive UI, since it deals *only* with mockups and not data binding, code editing, etc.

[Blama]

Hi Isomorphic,

thank you for your answer. Exactly the advice I was looking for. I'll try Balsamiq + Reify soon.

Best regards,
Blama